And last night, even with temperatures plummeting, Olivia spent her fifth night in kennels.

This time she was with Ruby, the rescued Staffie who had been used for breeding before she was dumped.

As she bedded down, Olivia said: "I think Ruby will enjoy a sleeping buddy tonight. I'm looking forward to spending some one on one cuddle time with this wee soul.

"For 13 nights, over the twelve days of Christmas - plus one - will be sleeping in the each of our respective kennels along with the dogs who live there.

Working hard at keeping cosy

"I have created this event page on our Facebook page to make it easier for people to follow our antics.

"We are hoping to raise funds to help upgrade the kennels in the coming year. Would love to get every door replaced somehow this year.

"The one thing our dogs would like more of is most definitely time with me - and our kennels are in need of improvements to make the dogs even more comfy than they are, so what better way to combine fundraising and extra time with the pups?

"Ruby is still looking for her forever home, a home without cats, other dogs or young kids.. at eleven years young, maybe 2018 will be her year, who knows.

Paul

Paul

Olivia said: "Paul is our longest stay resident, joining the Lucy's Trust pack back in 2011, when he was just three years old. He came in from Craigavon council pound, along with 5 other lurchers who had all been removed from a Travellers' site.

"He was feral, and his coat was in a shocking state. Good food and a good brushing sorted that right out, and he has gleamed ever since.

"Paul is handleable to an extent but he does not enjoy it whatsoever, so I have never pushed it with him. He is content and happy in my company these days, but lives for other dogs, not so much people.

"Paul is one of those dogs that I can use for introductions with new dogs. He is very respectful, and gives very clear visible signals to other dogs which means he is a perfect introducer."

Olivia said: "Bonnie was another Craigavon council poundie back in 2014. How she ever found herself unwanted I will never know. She is just great with other dogs, friendly bouncy, and loves nothing more than giving hugs.

"She was only around 18 months old and had clearly been a much loved dog in someones life so it's just beyond belief that she could end up in a pound.

"Bonnie is a Whippet Staffie cross, and like Paul, is great with other dogs.

"She was instrumental in bringing Kitty the agoraphobic Collie, out of her shell and into the fields - and showing her you don't have to crawl along on your belly. She helped Marvin gain leaps and bounds of confidence too, and I had always planned to put her up for adoption when Kitty was ready.

Lucy's Trust looks after vulnerable dogs ... and more

"By the time that happened, Paul needed her, and so, it looks like Bonnie will be staying.

"She is a great dog for introductions and she is perfect for teaching young dogs a few manners around others.

"Her most recent charge is Bailey, she is willing to play whatever game he wishes, so long as he is respectful about how he asks.

"These two dogs are really at the heart of Lucy's Trust. settled and trustworthy, two awesome dogs who make awesome companions for each other.

"Whilst it would be great to see Bonnie in a home, I know she really enjoys it here, and between her and Paul, we have the dream team."

Olivia said: "Vala was found in Solitude Park in Banbridge, emaciated and full of milk. There was no sign of any pups, so presumably she had been dumped after fulfilling her purpose, or had escaped.

"The ridges of her spine were rubbed bald, so we can presume she either had a very low crate, or a very confined one in which to lie with no bedding. She was missing hair everywhere and her wee baldy body was enough to make you cry.

"Vala did not have a chip, and if it wasn't for the kind passers-by who spotted her, who knows how much longer that wee starved body could have held on for.

Vala

"Vala came to us and within a few weeks was up to a nearly normal bodyweight, though it took several months for her coat to come back.

"She quickly formed a great bond with Jim, and she taught him very early on that duvets are for lying on. She taught him how to play, and the two of them became totally inseparable although she has not managed to totally house train him yet.

"These two are up for rehoming together but they will need a very special home, and a very understanding one.

"Jim is not young, and would need help with housetraining, and neither dog would like to live with cats - well they would love to but it wouldn't last long.

"Neither have lived in a home before, and although they both walk well on leash, they can be quite fearful of new people and dogs and places, so a home with a big garden where they didn't have to go on road walks would be ideal for them.

Jim

"It sounds like a big ask and maybe it is but if you saw them here, and saw how content they are with their current lives, you would be with me on this one 100%

"For for night three I was l be cuddled up with these loonies on their big mattress and duvets.

"Life for these two consists of running as fast as you can, barking at anything, everything,each other, doing zoomies, whacking Boomer balls about - and sleeping."

Mac

Mac was used for hunting and is not suitable for adoption

Olivia said: "Mac came to join us at Lucy's Trust in 2011 when he was about four years old.

"We didnt know much about him other than he was a surrender, but it was quickly obvious that he was not a fan of other dogs and was predatory towards other animals.

"Mac is going blind ands although he is such a fun loving little guy, a real sweetheart, he is not safe anymore for us to rehome. His predatory instincts are extremely strong, and given his failing sight, and his mistaking of things for other things.. the public risk would be too great.

"We were contacted a few years ago by a lady who had owned him briefly, before she returned him to the original owner and she confirmed our suspicions that he had been used for hunting, and was worked along side lurchers.

"His hunting days are now long since firmly behind him much to his disgust, he has to make do with stalking the sheep, ponies, cats and other dogs from behind the safety of the runs, and a field. When he is done stalking things for the day he happily potters about with his king wobbler in his mouth. He is the biggest cuddler and a real joy to be around."

if you would like to help Olivia and the team at Lucy's Trust, you can click here to donate.